79R7986 UM-D
By: Martinez H.B. No. 2967
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the transportation of certain mental health patients.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 574.045(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The court may authorize, in the following order of
priority, the transportation of a committed patient or a patient
detained under Section 573.022 or 574.023 to the designated mental
health facility by:
(1) a relative or other responsible person who has a
proper interest in the patient's welfare and who receives no
remuneration, except for actual and necessary expenses;
(2) the facility administrator of the designated
mental health facility, unless [if] the administrator notifies the
court that facility personnel are not available to transport the
patient;
(3) [a special officer for mental health assignment
certified under Section 1701.404, Occupations Code;
[(4)] a representative of the local mental health
authority, who shall be reimbursed by the county;
(4) a special officer for mental health assignment
certified under Section 1701.404, Occupations Code, who shall be
reimbursed by the Department of State Health Services from money
appropriated for that purpose, or if money is not appropriated for
that purpose, as provided by Section 571.018; or
(5) the sheriff or constable, if no person is
available under Subdivision (1), (2), (3), or (4), who shall be
reimbursed by the Department of State Health Services from money
appropriated for that purpose, or if money is not appropriated for
that purpose, as provided by Section 571.018.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.